A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER, MARIA

{"category":"Ask Maria","portraitImage":{"sys":{"space":{"sys":{"type":"Link","linkType":"Space","id":"iy53htc1d0h4"}},"id":"5MY73T6KfHxh8tayOzsd3P","type":"Asset","createdAt":"2019-08-19T18:43:17.877Z","updatedAt":"2019-08-21T20:28:29.544Z","environment":{"sys":{"id":"master","type":"Link","linkType":"Environment"}},"revision":2,"locale":"en-US"},"fields":{"title":"Co-founder, Maria Gangemi","description":"Co-founder, Maria Gangemi","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iy53htc1d0h4/5MY73T6KfHxh8tayOzsd3P/4571e845926d1093cacab428663215f3/AM_WeddingGuest_Desktop_Hero.jpg","details":{"size":1313917,"image":{"width":1678,"height":1044}},"fileName":"AM_WeddingGuest_Desktop_Hero.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}}},"body":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"I had watched firsthand as brands left Italy in droves for countries that could produce less expensive products, and saw the small Italian workshops I’d grown up with closing at an alarming rate.  I believed in the magic of Italy, in these artisans who only knew how to do things the right way, taught by their parents who learned from their grandparents. And in the beautiful products they brought to life.  ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"M.Gemi was born as a way forward. A brand that produced 100% of its products in Italy, in small and medium-sized family-owned factories, honoring tradition but at prices for a modern era. We brought our new model to the small factory owners and have worked together to create the highest quality shoes at our unique price-points. With your outpouring of support, our factories have prospered, expanding instead of shutting down, hiring and bringing hope to small communities.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Now, they count on us more than ever.  We have been speaking with our Italian partners multiple times each day asking what we can do to help. And they keep telling us, “Please, somehow keep business going. Keep selling our shoes so when we go back to work, there will be work to go back to.” We have shared your letters of support, continued paying them through the shutdowns and hard times, and promised to keep business moving the best we can.  ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"So what do we mean when we ask all of you to keep supporting the magic of Italy during this time? That part is simple. Through your continued purchasing of our shoes, you are directly supporting these small Italian business owners and artisans who count on us all for their livelihood.\n\nI know for many, shopping is a luxury today. Please know that if you choose to shop for shoes at M.Gemi right now, it’s not frivolous. Every purchase is a shot of hope for our artisans across the ocean, a small step toward ensuring their way of life continues.\n\nItaly is my home and my first love. What we do here is so much more than shoes. On the days I am able to focus on our mission, the support from people like you, and the faces of our partners and artisans I find a little ray of light that gets me through. In these dark days, I wish for you that same little ray of light.\n\nLove,\nMaria","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}}